17 Creative Gifts for Kids Who Love Art

Gifts for kids who love art should give them space to explore and make a mess in the best way.

My son has always been happiest with a paintbrush, marker, or lump of clay in hand, and over the years we’ve tried just about every kind of art kit.

Some were one-and-done, but others became real favorites, the kind that kept him creating long after the first project was finished.

Colorful collage of 17 best gifts for kids who love art, including art kits, supplies, and creative projects for young artists.

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Best Art Gifts for Kids

There’s something special about seeing kids completely lost in their own creations.

We’ve tested more art kits and supplies than I can count, and not all have been hits, some barely lasted a day.

But a few have truly stuck, the ones that keep getting pulled out again and again because they’re open-ended, easy to use, and spark real imagination.

These are the art gifts that kids actually return to, not just once, but all year long.

Osmo – Creative Starter Kit for iPad

We’ve had this set for a few years, and it’s been the rare kind of screen time I don’t mind. The drawing games mix tech and creativity really well, and it’s been great for rainy afternoons when my son wants something interactive but still artistic.

We are huge fans of Osmo over on Homeschool of 1 and have reviewed Osmo Coding Jam & the Osmo coding starter kit

kiwico doodle crate review Felt Succulent garden

KiwiCo Studio

We tried this when my son was about nine, and it quickly became his favorite mail day of the month. Each box focuses on a new technique, one month watercolor, another paper sculpture, and it always feels fresh. It’s creative without being overwhelming, which is why we’ve kept the subscription going.

Check out our honest KiwiCo Studio review

Watercolor Paint Set

This is the watercolor set my son reaches for most. The range of colors is amazing for kids, and the refillable water brush means less mess. We’ve taken it on trips, to grandparents’ houses, it’s the easiest way to keep painting portable.

Drawing Markers Brush Pens

These dual-tipped markers get constant use in our house. The fine tip is perfect for our free printable coloring pages and the brush side works beautifully for hand lettering. They come in a sturdy case, so they actually stay organized, rare in an art bin!

Art: The Definitive Visual Guide

We’ve used this book in our homeschool art lessons for years. It’s beautifully illustrated and easy to browse, even for younger kids who just like flipping through the pictures. It’s one of those books that grows with them, great for sparking deeper conversations about artists and styles.

Marbling Paint Art Kit

This one’s messy but totally worth it. The marbling effect is beautiful, and watching the colors move on the water still amazes my son. It’s best for a kitchen-table or outdoor project, quick setup, big results, and every piece turns out different.

Illustory Book Making Kit

My son used this to turn one of his made-up stories into a real hardcover book, and it’s still on our shelf years later. The kit walks kids through every step, from drawing pages to adding text, and the printed result looks genuinely professional.

Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad

We used this tracing pad a lot when my son was younger, especially for drawing characters. The light makes outlines really clear without straining their eyes, and it’s slim enough to take on car trips. A great option for kids who love precision drawing.

Rock Painting Kit

We’ve painted rocks for everything from garden decorations to little “kindness rocks” we hide at the park. The kit includes bright paints and brushes that hold up well. It’s one of those crafts that gets kids outdoors afterward, double win.

Scratch Paper Art

This is our go-to for travel days or waiting rooms, totally mess-free and keeps kids focused. The rainbow layers under the black surface never stop being satisfying. It’s small enough to pack and perfect for quiet creative time.

Arts & Crafts Supply Library

We’ve had this craft box for years, and it still gets used weekly. It’s one of those sets where kids can grab a few supplies and start creating right away, no planning needed. The built-in storage actually keeps things neat, which is half the battle with art supplies.

Skillmatics Art Activity : Dot it!

We first found this kit while looking for quick, no-mess projects before dinner, it’s been a favorite since. The reusable mats mean you can wipe and start over, and the dot markers are oddly satisfying, even for older kids.

3D String Art Kit – Light-Up Star Lantern

This one takes a little patience, but the result is worth it. My son needed some help with the glue part, but when the balloon popped and the lantern held its shape, he was so proud. It makes a fun bedroom night light once the string hardens.

Magnetic Mini Tile Art

We used these as little fridge magnets for holiday gifts, and they turned out adorable. The paint dries quickly and sticks well to the tiles, so even younger kids can manage it. It’s a great mini project that doubles as a keepsake.

LEGO DOTS Message Board

My son loved mixing LEGO with art through this message board. It’s simple enough for kids to design patterns or short phrases, and they can swap the tiles whenever they want a change. It’s creative, reusable, and feels more personal than a store-bought sign.

Check out over 100 unique Lego gifts that are not Lego sets.

Create Your Own Window Art

This kit has been a rainy-day staple in our house. The paints cling to windows easily and wash off clean, so kids can cover the glass in colorful designs without any stress about cleanup. It’s a cheerful way to make gray days feel brighter, literally.

Crayola Finger Paint Kit For Toddlers

We used this when my son was just starting to paint, and it was one of those rare toddler activities that kept him happily busy. The paints wash out easily (even from clothes), and the thick texture is ideal for handprint and fingerprint art. It’s messy in the best possible way.

Grab all of our kids handprint art for extra fun!

Watching kids create is one of those quiet joys that never gets old. Whether it’s finger painting or designing with LEGO tiles, these art gifts give them more than just supplies, they give them confidence to make something all their own.

Last Updated on 21 October 2025 by Clare

Best Art Gifts for Kids

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